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Nuremberg Set Precedent For International Law
- The Nuremberg trials created precedent by punishing crimes against humanity even if laws didn't exist then.
- Leaders accepted ex post facto reasoning because failing to punish Nazis risked greater future abuses.
Limited Scope Of Nuremberg Prosecutions
- Of 185 indicted, most Nazis avoided death; only 12 received hanging sentences at Nuremberg.
- The tribunal tried a select group due to logistical limits, leaving many perpetrators untried.
Woods’ Checkered Path To Becoming Hangman
- John C. Woods repeatedly deserted or was dishonorably discharged before rejoining the military and being drafted in WWII.
- He bounced jobs, lived slovenly, and lied about prior executions to get the hangman role.